Peter A. Gagne

1942 - 2026

Peter A. Gagne
1942 - 2026
South Hadley
Peter A. Gagne, 83, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026. Born on November 10, 1942, in Holyoke, Peter was the son of the late Felix and Cecile (Yenlin) Gagne. A third-generation, lifelong resident of South Hadley, Peter was raised and educated in town and proudly graduated from South Hadley High School.
Peter served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966. After returning home, he joined the family business, Gagne's Package Store, a well-known and well-loved meeting place in the community. Through hard work and dedication, Peter became the owner and carried on the family tradition of friendly service and local connection. After selling the store in 2004, he continued working for Taylor Davis Landscaping and Atkins Farm Market, where he enjoyed staying active and connected with friends and neighbors.
He was an avid gardener and took great pride in sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors and friends. Peter was also the founder of the Moody Corner Flower Club, which met at his business and raised donations for a fund to help neighbors and friends in times of need, reflecting his generous spirit and deep sense of community.
Peter generously opened his home to friends and family for many years. He proudly hosted the annual Moody Corner Thanksgiving Day Walk, a tradition that brought neighbors together in fellowship, and he delighted in holding large family Easter egg hunts that created lasting memories for his children and grandchildren.
Deeply committed to his hometown, Peter was actively involved in South Hadley's civic life. He served as a Town Meeting Member for 50 years and as Water Commissioner in District II, always giving generously of his time and energy to support his community.
Above all, Peter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Beverly (Pantalone) Gagne; his loving children, Laura Daniels, Melissa Gagne, Amy Foley (Matthew), Susan Stephens (Kirk), Nancy Chagnon (Daniel), and Peter J. Gagne (Jessica). He also leaves his brother, Paul Gagne (Donetta Morse); his sister, Michele Scanlon (John); and his brother, Jacques Gagne (Rebecca).
Peter was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren: Cheyne and Lincoln Daniels; Jacob Foley; Maeve and Hazel Hughes; Drew and Madalyn Foley; Jack, Celia, and Jolie Chagnon; Maeghan and Jacob Pelletier; and Joseph Gagne. Peter will be remembered for his steady presence, strong work ethic, devotion to family, and unwavering commitment to the town he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and community spirit that will be cherished by all who knew him.
The funeral service will be Saturday February 21st at 10:30 am at the O'Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday February 20th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com.